NEW YORK: The United States lifted a 40-year ban on oil exports on Friday, marking a historic shift for the booming US oil industry. The measure was included in a massive $1.1 trillion spending Bill that easily passed Congress and now heads to the desk of President Barack Obama for his signature. While many Democrats opposed it, some joined Republican lawmakers and major oil companies who lobbied hard for lifting the ban, arguing it would create US jobs and boost the security of Washington’s European allies. Environmentalists are concerned the move will encourage continued reliance on oil over clean energy, despite US pledges at the Paris climate summit to cut its carbon footprint.